2018 Ford F-350 Safety Report
2018 Ford F-350 plagued by 'death wobble' steering issues and fire risks, with no official crash test ratings.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Ford F-350
Reliability Score
The 2018 Ford F-350 receives a reliability score of 40 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Ford F-350
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Ford F-350:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering 'Death Wobble' Violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end, especially at highway speeds or after hitting bumps, requiring the driver to slow down significantly or stop to regain control. Multiple complaints reference this as a 'death wobble'. |
High | Common | various miles |
| Engine Stalling/Reduced Power Vehicle stalls while driving or enters 'limp mode' with reduced engine power, often without warning lights, posing a significant hazard on highways. |
High | Occasional | various miles |
| Rearview Camera Failure Back-up camera display goes black, shows a blurry image, or displays 'Camera Unavailable' message, hindering safe reversing and leading to potential collisions. |
Medium | Occasional | various miles |
| Engine Block Heater Fire Risk Recall for potential resistive short in engine block heater wiring, increasing risk of overheated/melted wiring and fire, especially when plugged in. |
High | Rare | N/A miles |
| Fuel System Leaks/Fires Strong fuel smell in cabin or under hood, with reports of fuel streams from filter caps and fires originating in the fuel system area. |
High | Rare | various miles |
| Tailgate Opening While Driving Tailgate opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, posing a risk of cargo falling out onto the road. |
Medium | Rare | various miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Ford F-350:
The most frequent complaint category, often describing the 'death wobble' phenomenon, violent shaking, and difficulty maneuvering the steering wheel.
Direct steering issues, including adaptive steering warning lights, difficulty centering the wheel, and general steering effort control module failures.
Issues related to the vehicle's body and frame, including panoramic sunroof failures and tailgate opening unexpectedly.
Specific suspension problems contributing to vehicle instability and shaking.
Failures of the rearview camera system, leading to black screens or blurry images when reversing.
Reports of engine stalling, reduced power, check engine lights, and issues like EGR cooler rubbing on wiring harnesses.
Problems with wheels, including air loss from aluminum wheels/valve stems.
General electrical issues, including the Sync screen going black and potential wiring shorts.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Ford F-350
Is the 2018 Ford F-350 safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Ford F-350 has significant safety concerns, particularly with its steering and suspension systems, which are frequently associated with the dangerous 'death wobble'. There are also reports of engine stalling, rearview camera failures, and a recall for fire risk related to the engine block heater. With 199 complaints, 4 fires, and 5 injuries, and no official crash test ratings, its safety record is questionable.
What are common problems with the 2018 Ford F-350?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Ford F-350 are related to the STEERING and SUSPENSION systems, accounting for over 39% of all complaints. These often describe a 'death wobble' or violent front-end shaking at highway speeds. Other common problems include STRUCTURE issues (like tailgate opening or sunroof failure), BACK OVER PREVENTION (rearview camera malfunctions), and ENGINE problems (stalling, reduced power).
Has the 2018 Ford F-350 been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 Ford F-350 has been subject to two NHTSA recalls. One recall (EQUIPMENT) addresses a potential issue with inadvertently turning the wrong direction to avoid an object, increasing crash risk. The second recall (ENGINE) concerns a fire risk due to a resistive short in the engine block heater wiring.
What is the 'death wobble' in the 2018 Ford F-350?
The 'death wobble' in the 2018 Ford F-350 refers to a severe and violent shaking of the front end, particularly when driving at highway speeds or hitting bumps. Numerous complaints describe this as an uncontrollable event that requires the driver to slow down significantly or come to a complete stop to regain control, posing a serious safety hazard.
Are there fire risks with the 2018 Ford F-350?
Yes, there are documented fire risks. NHTSA records 4 fires for the 2018 Ford F-350. Additionally, there is an ENGINE recall specifically addressing a fire risk due to a potential resistive short in the engine block heater wiring. Some complaints describe fires originating in the fuel system area, rapidly engulfing the vehicle.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the prevalent and severe steering/suspension issues, fire risks, and lack of crash test data, potential buyers should proceed with extreme caution and thoroughly inspect the vehicle's steering components and recall completion status.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Ford F-350
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Ford F-350. The data includes 199 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.